AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
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By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order
9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to
authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for
heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an
enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named
enlisted men:

Private JAMES B. KERSEY, US51188032, Infantry,
Company "K", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States
Army. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, in the vicinity of
Honu-Chon, Korea, Company "K" commenced an attack on enemy held Hill
"250". As the attacking force began the assault on the highest point of
the hill, it came under fire from a large enemy machine gun emplacement
and supporting automatic weapons positions. Private KERSEY, an automatic
rifleman in the assault unit, immediately took up a position on the crest
of a lower ridge directly in front of the machine gun bunker. He then
directed his fire at automatic rifle positions on both sides of the
bunker. In the ensuing action, he was wounded by fragments from an
artillery shell. Despite his wounds, he then aggressively moved towards
the enemy positions, alternately throwing grenades and firing his weapon.
Private KERSEY'S effective placement of grenades and accurate fire
destroyed one enemy position and damaged another. A short time later, he
was again wounded by artillery, rendering him incapable of continuing the
assault. Private KERSEY'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect
great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal
Service from New Jersey.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry
Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration,
College Park, Maryland.